These have direct translation to words: Some gestures are related to culture. Some of these cultural gestures or hand signals have a commonly acceptable use and meaning in one part of the world and can be obscene in other parts of the world, such as the index finger touching the thumb and making the OK sign.

Likewise a wave of the arm with fingers pointed up is common in many areas in North America. In some South American cultures the same gesture is considered rude and crude. The more appropriate gesture is for the hand to be pointed to the ground, as if an inverted version of the aforementioned.

People who attempt to persuade others often use these immediacy contacts.

Adapter

Way of adjusting to communication situation: Twist hair, tap pen.

People of higher status take a more relaxed body posture.

Other Related Body Language

Posture

People of higher status take a more relaxed body posture.

Postures just like gestures are often used to indicate attitudes, status, affective moods, approval, deception, warmth, and other emotions related to personal interaction.

Ekman and Friesen (1967) suggested that posture can convey gross or overall affect or liking. Specific emotions are communicated by more discreet, facial and body movements. Included in these are movements now known as micro movements.

Body Language and Posture

Posture and movement can also convey a great deal on information. Research on body language has grown significantly since the 1970’s, but popular media have focused on the over-interpretation of defensive postures, arm-crossing, and leg-crossing, especially after the publication of Julius Fast’s book Body Language.

This is only the basics on Kinesics - Body Movements. Hopefully it will open the doors of your mind for more research.